Solar cell or solar panel energy extraction system

Abstract

A photovoltaic system having at least one solar cell and a secondary direct current power supply connected to the at least one solar cell. The secondary power supply is configured for constant voltage operation to input power to the photovoltaic cell to maintain operation of the solar cell at or near an optimum voltage working level for the solar cell.

1 . A photovoltaic power system, including:
 at least one solar cell configured to receive a primary energy input from solar irradiance;   and a secondary DC energy input connected in parallel to said at least one solar cell, wherein the secondary DC energy input is configured to output power at a constant voltage, the constant voltage chosen to match a a designated voltage maximum power (Vmp) rating of the at least one solar cell, whereby the at least one solar array can draw power from the secondary DC energy input to maintain operating voltage of the at least one solar cell at Vmp.   
     
     
         2 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the secondary DC energy input voltage is fixed. 
     
     
         3 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the secondary DC energy input voltage is chosen to match a designated Vmp of the at least one solar cell at a maximum operating temperature of the at least one solar cell. 
     
     
         4 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the secondary DC energy input voltage is variable and the designated voltage maximum value is controlled to match a designated Vmp of the at least one solar cell at a current operating temperature of the at least one solar cell. 
     
     
         5 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 4  further comprising at least one temperature sensor configured to sense the current operating temperature of at least one solar cell. 
     
     
         6 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 5  further comprising a controller configured to receive the current operating temperature and automatically adjust the secondary DC energy input voltage based on the Vmp for the current temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein if a load is applied and the solar cell's optimum voltage is maintained by the secondary power input during reduced light conditions, the solar cell will have a higher level of light to electrical conversion compared to the solar cell not having the second power source to maintain the optimum voltage. 
     
     
         8 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein under full light conditions, power is not drawn from the secondary power input. 
     
     
         9 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said solar cells are usually connected in a series configuration, such that a shaded solar cell will cause all other solar cells in full sunlight with-in the series configuration to reduce energy production to a similar output of the shaded cell, a solar panel will have bi-pass diodes as so when it is shaded and the voltage drops to a particular level, the energy by-passes the solar panel and minimises the loss on the series string, utilising this new method of maintaining the string voltage with a secondary power source, when a solar cell/panel is shaded the remaining solar cells/panels in light are not affected by the shaded solar cell and can maintain full operation due the Vmp being maintained by the secondary power source, the loss of the system is that only of the shaded cell/panel. 
     
     
         10 . The photovoltaic power system in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the secondary Power input can be that of mains AC power converted to DC power, a battery or other similar supply sources that can supply DC energy.